Coorong District Council response measures to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a global crisis, and our Council has a key role to play in limiting the spread and impact of it.

Our leaders are staying up to date on the latest advice from the State and Federal Governments, and relevant Government health agencies.

Residents who are experiencing financial hardship may seek assistance from Coorong District Council by entering into a long-term payment arrangement. Information is available on our Financial Hardship page.

Update - 25 May 2020

All playgrounds, parks (incl. dog parks and gardens) have been re-opened to the public.

All community toilets have been re-opened.

All halls can now open and community groups will be able to book facilities (groups are encouraged to contact Council to work through arrangements).

The Coonalpyn Caravan Park and Narrung Campground are now open to the public (including public toilet facilities).

Sporting facilities can open in accordance with the new measures in place.

Public library services:

Tailem Bend, Tintinara, Coonalpyn and Coomandook Community Libraries are still closed to the public, however all are offering a 'phone and collect service'.

Meningie Community Library will be opening to the public from 3:45pm - 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am - 1pm on Saturdays.

Tailem Rail Museum, Coorong Gallery and the Meningie Information Hub will be assessed in preparation for Council's executive team to make a decision on re-opening from 8 June 2020.

All Council facilities are receiving regular cleaning to ensure facilities are up to standard – however if you come across anything that requires attention please contact Council on 1300 785 277 so that we can attend to it.

Signs will be in place to remind users of their obligations to social distance. Everyone can play their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by practicing good hygiene, using hand sanitiser and wiping down equipment and surfaces before and after use.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coorong District Council response measures to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a global crisis, and our Council has a key role to play in limiting the spread and impact of it.

Council is monitoring the situation very closely, and our primary focus is to protect the health of our community members, visitors and staff and to help minimise the spread of COVID-19. Evidence from around the world has shown that pre-emptive measures are extremely effective in containing the spread of the disease.

Our leaders are staying up to date on the latest advice from the State and Federal Governments, and relevant Government health agencies.

We are encouraging our residents to also play their part – observe stricter personal hygiene and social distancing, stay away from public places if you’re unwell, be respectful to our staff and others working under stressful conditions and look out for the vulnerable members of your community.

It is important to remember, this is an extremely dynamic situation and events are changing daily.

Our key objectives are to:

Reduce and contain the impact of the disease

Maintain a healthy workforce

Provide leadership to the community

Keep residents and business informed about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it

Council Services

Can I come to the Council office?

Yes. We do however encourage all ratepayers and residents who need to access a service, have an enquiry or want to pay a bill - to do so online, over the phone or by email if possible and practicable.

We ask that anyone who is feeling unwell does NOT attend its facilities in person, and for those that are feeling well should follow hygiene and social distancing protocols.

Please note:

The Meningie Information Hub is currently closed and will be re-opening on Monday 1 June 2020.

The Coorong Gallery and Meningie Gallery have been closed to the public until further notice.

Tintinara Customer Service CentreMonday to Friday*, 11:00am to 3:00pm (excluding public holidays)

Customer service requests can be made by calling 1300 785 277, by lodging a request online, or by using the My Local Services App (available to download on Apple or Android devices).

What about meetings?

All non-essential face to face meetings have been cancelled or postponed, and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Staff instead will use phone or video meeting and conferencing alternatives where possible and practicable. Essential meetings will require increased hygiene measures including observing social distancing.

How can I pay my rates or make a payment?

Council rates, invoice payments and infringement notices can be paid online or over the phone (1300 785 277).

Cashless payments are preferred at all Council facilities (excepting the waste transfer stations – cash only), however visitation to Council offices is discouraged.

I am finding it difficult to pay my Council rates. What should I do?

Residents who are experiencing financial hardship may seek assistance from Coorong District Council by entering into a long-term payment arrangement. Information is available on our Financial Hardship page or please call Council on 1300 785 277 to discuss your options further.

In response to COVID-19, Coorong District Council will waive monthly fines and quarterly interest on all overdue rates for the period April - December 2020. All debt recovery action, including rates and sundry debtors, will also be suspended until December 2020.

Are our libraries still open?

Community Library services have been suspended until further notice, which includes the following locations:

Tailem Bend Community Library (Ph: 8572 3266)

Tintinara Community Library (Ph: 8757 2120)

Coonalpyn Community Library (Ph: 8571 1019)

Coomandook Community Library (Ph: 8573 3196)

All libraries listed above are offering a 'phone and collect service' - members of the public can contact the libraries to arrange collection on the phone numbers listed.

Meningie Community Library (Ph: 8575 1681) will be opening to the public from 3:45pm - 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am - 1pm on Saturdays.

Are our pools still open?

The Coonalpyn Swimming Pool season has now ended. The pool will be re-opened at the beginning of next season.

What about our playgrounds, parks and reserves?

As COVID-19 restrictions are easing, playgrounds and parks (including dog parks, the Tintinara Disc Golf Park, Meningie outdoor gym, and Pangarinda Botanic Gardens) are now open. Regular cleaning will be happening to ensure facilities are up to standard – however if you come across anything that requires attention please contact Council on 1300 785 277 so that we can attend to it.

While our parks and reserves are still open for exercise, people are reminded of social distancing requirements - groups of up to 10 people are permitted (1.5 metres apart).

Are campgrounds open?

The campgrounds and public amenities at both the Narrung Campground and the Coonalpyn Caravan Parkare now open. Guests and visitors are asked to abide by COVID-19 social distancing requirements and practice good hygiene.

Many tourism accommodation and business operators closed during March and April, however these facilities will slowly begin to open as restrictions are eased in SA.

Fines can apply where individuals breach the safe-distance requirements. For more information on the Government’s restrictions visit the SA Health website.

Are our waste transfer stations open and will our bin collection change?

What about our public toilet amenities?

All public toilet amenities have been re-opened to the public.

Regular cleaning will be happening to ensure facilities are up to standard – however if you come across anything that requires attention please contact Council on 1300 785 277 so that we can attend to it.

Signs will be in place to remind users of their obligations to social distance. Everyone can play their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by practicing good hygiene, using hand sanitiser and wiping down equipment and surfaces before and after use.

Can I hire a Council venue or resource for a meeting or event?

To help protect the health of our community as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic the Federal Government placed restrictions on indoor gatherings - all hire of Council managed facilities for meetings or gatherings were cancelled.

Council will now work through the re-opening of community halls under new SA Government guidelines and assess bookings on a case-by-case basis, while observing current social distancing requirements.

Will monthly Council meetings still go ahead?

Monthly Council meetings are still being held, however changes have been made to meeting protocols to allow the meetings to take place in the current COVID-19 environment.

On 31 March 2020, Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll issued the first COVID-19 related emergency variations to the Local Government Act 1999 – in the form of the Electronic Participation in Council Meetings Notice (No 1) 2020. This Notice allows Council meetings to be conducted by electronic means.

Council meetings are currently being held at 2:00pm, with Council Members participating via electronic means.

The public cannot physically attend Council meetings, however livestreaming facilities and access to video recordings from Council and Committee meetings are being available on our YouTube channel.

Community

Community events and activities

Several community events have been cancelled or postponed to minimise the spread of the virus, including ANZAC Day commemorations across the district. Council will continue to advise the community on event and activity cancellations and suspensions via Council’s Facebook page and website.

The Tintinara Community Gym program has also been suspended until further notice.

Staff & Volunteers

What are you doing to protect Council workers’ health and wellbeing?

A number of steps have been taken to protect Council workers’ health and wellbeing. Non-essential meetings are being rescheduled and staff will be given the opportunity, where possible, to work remotely. Council will maintain a core level of staffing to ensure operations continue to run and services to the community are maintained. We also have extra measures in place at our sites and facilities to support a clean, safe and well-sanitised environment. Any staff member presenting with cold/flu-like symptoms will be sent home immediately in accordance with government and health agencies advice and direction.

What about Council volunteers?

Council appreciates the support of its volunteers, many of whom are within vulnerable groups. We are mindful of the safety and wellbeing of all who assist in volunteer programs, facilities and services. We had suspended all volunteer programs to protect our volunteers from the risk of infection, and are now taking steps to assess associated risk before continuing volunteer activities.

Important Information

Where can I find out more about COVID-19?

The State and Federal Governments have dedicated resources to provide up-to-date and accurate information to the community.

The Australian Government’s Department of Health COVID-19 website can be found here: